How to Use Display Block in Simulink: Simple Guide

In Simulink, use the Display block to show the value of a signal during simulation. Simply drag the Display block from the Simulink library to your model and connect it to the signal you want to monitor. The block will show the signal's current value in real time when you run the simulation.

Syntax

The Display block is used by placing it in your Simulink model and connecting it to a signal line. It does not require parameters to be set for basic use.

• Display block: Shows the numeric value of the connected signal.
• Signal line: Connects the output of a block to the Display block input.

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Display block
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Signal line from any block output

Example

This example shows how to use the Display block to monitor a sine wave signal during simulation.

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1. Open Simulink and create a new model.
2. Drag a <code>Sine Wave</code> block from the <code>Sources</code> library.
3. Drag a <code>Display</code> block from the <code>Sinks</code> library.
4. Connect the output of the Sine Wave block to the input of the Display block.
5. Run the simulation.

You will see the Display block showing the current value of the sine wave signal as the simulation runs.

Output

The Display block window shows numeric values changing in real time, e.g., 0, 0.309, 0.588, 0.809, 0.951, 1, 0.951, ...

Common Pitfalls

• Not connecting the Display block input to a signal line will cause it to show zero or no value.
• Trying to display non-numeric signals (like buses) directly will not work; you must select or convert signals first.
• For signals with fast changes, the Display block updates may appear delayed due to simulation step size.

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Wrong:
Display block not connected to any signal

Right:
Connect Display block input to a valid numeric signal output

Quick Reference

Display Block Tips:

• Use for quick numeric signal monitoring during simulation.
• Works only with numeric scalar signals.
• Cannot display complex data types directly.
• Combine with Selector blocks to display parts of buses or vectors.
• Use Scope block for graphical signal visualization.

Key Takeaways

The Display block shows numeric signal values in real time during simulation.

Connect the Display block input to a numeric signal output to see values.

Display block cannot show complex or bus signals directly without conversion.

Use Display for quick checks; use Scope for detailed signal graphs.

Ensure signals are properly connected to avoid zero or no output in Display.